Terse
mediumTURS
adjective
Definition
Sparing in the use of words; abrupt
Examples
“His terse reply suggested he was annoyed.”
“The memo was written in terse, businesslike language.”
Categories
GRE Tip
Terse is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "concise" or "laconic" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "verbose".
Related GRE Words
laconic
Using very few words; concise to the point of seeming rude or mysterious
compendious
Containing a lot of information in a concise form; comprehensive yet brief
pithy
Concise and forcefully expressive
epigrammatic
Concise, clever, and memorable in expression
succinct
Briefly and clearly expressed
curt
Rudely brief or abrupt in speech or manner
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